Disease, Disorders, Dysfunctions, Anomalies And Traumas Flashcards
(1156 cards)
What is Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
It develops with gastric or duodenal contents flow back into the esophagus
Is it normal for adults and children to have some amount of reflux after eating
Yes
When is reflux considered a pathological condition
When it causes undesirable symptoms, such as pain or respiratory distress
When should someone be aggressively investigated for the possibility of GERD
All patients with:
1. Chronic cough
2. Recurrent pneumonia
3. And asthma
When do patients have symptomatic GERD
They have an incompetent LES
The LES does not have enough intraluminal pressure to prevent reflux
What is the main cause for GERD
Dysfunction of the LES -
What are causes for GERD
- Dysfunction of the LES
- Motility disorder
- Pyloric stenosis
- Intestinal malrotation
- Obesity
- Pregnancy - because of the increase in intraabdominal pressure (usually resolves after delivery)
- Smoking
- Scleroderma
- Diabetes
What are the most common signs and symptoms of GERD
- Pyrosis (heartburn). 7. Chest pain
- Dyspepsia (epigastric pain). 8. Belching up sour contents
- Regurgitation. 9. Globus sensation (feeling of having a lump in your throat)
- Dysphagia (difficulty swallowing). 10. Sore throat or hoarseness
- Odynophagia (painful swallowing) 11. Nausea
- Persistent cough. 12. Asthma
How is GERD diagnosed
- Upper GI Endoscopy
- Barium swallow
- Motility studies
- 24-hour pH studies
- Bernstein test
- Gastric emptying scintigraphy
How is an Upper GI endoscopy used to diagnose GERD
- Can determine the presence and extent of esophagitis or Barrett’s esophagus, as well as anatomical disorders
- Symptoms can be present without evidence of esophagitis
How is a barium swallow used to diagnose GERD
- Will demonstrate reflux, but will not evaluate frequency or association with other symptoms
- Valuable tool for anatomical disorders
How are motility studies used in the diagnosis of GERD
- May be used if a motility disorder is suspected
- Used as an adjunct, but cannot confirm diagnosis
How are 24-hour pH studies used to diagnose GERD
- Thought to be the most accurate test for reflux
- Determines the frequency of reflux episodes and their relationship to other symptoms
How is a Bernstein test used in the diagnosis of GERD
- May be used to differentiate between cardiac and noncardiac chest pain
- Nasogastric tube is positioned about 5cm above the GE junction
- Out of the patient’s view, solutions of 0.1N hydrochloric acid and normal saline are alternatively dripped in
- The aim is to reproduce the chest pain
How is a Gastric emptying scintigraphy test used to diagnose GERD
- Nuclear medicine scan to evaluate how food moves through the stomach and GI tract
- Can determine if there is either accelerated or delayed gastric emptying
- Used for evaluation of abdominal pain, early satiety, and as a preoperative evaluation
What are the treatment options for GERD
- Medical management
- Drug therapy
- Surgery
What are the three objectives for the treatment of GERD
- Relieving symptoms
- Healing damaged mucosa
- Prevention complications
What is the first line of treatment for GERD
Behavior modification and lifestyle changes
What are some examples of behavior modification and lifestyle changes that can help in the treatment for GERD
- Making dietary modifications by avoiding foods and beverages that lower the LES pressure
- Losing weight
- Avoiding tight fitting garments
- Elevating the head of the bed on blocks
- Stopping smoking
- Avoiding food or drink 2 to 3 hours prior to bedtime
- Avoiding overeating and greasy, fatty foods
What are the drug therapy options for the treatment of GERD
- Histamine type 2 receptor antagonist (H2 blockers) - famotidine (Pepcid, Pepcid AC)
- Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) - omeprazole, Esomeprazole magnesium, Rabeprazole, Lansoprazole or Dexlansoprazole
- Antacids may provide temporary relief
- Prokinetic agents, such as metoclopramide increase motility and strengthen the LES, but side effects should me monitored
- Sucralfate - (carafate)
When is surgery an option for treatment of GERD
Considered for patients who:
1. Are debilitated by severe esophagitis
2. Are refractory to medical management
3. Are subject to episodes of aspiration pneumonia
4. Have Barrett’s esophagus
What are the surgical options for the treatment of GERD
- Laparoscopic
- Open Nissen fundoplication, which creates a gastric wrap, tightening the LES
What is the incidence of pediatric patients developing GERD
- Most common up to 6 months of age, but may continue to 18 months of age
- Generally self-limiting
What causes GERD in pediatric patients
Lack of muscle control in infants